Life
A successful breastfeeding relationship is a major goal for many new moms. Breastmilk is not only nutritious, but it's also free and super convenient. It can also be a great way to bond with your baby, which is why it can be completely heartbreaking when something isn't quite going right. If he or she is acting colicky or experiencing major stomach issues, it may be one of the ways your baby is trying to tell you they're allergic to your milk.
It's not your breastmilk itself that causes a bad reaction in your baby. The culprit will instead be something you're eating and that your baby is getting secondhand via breastfeeding. La Leche League International noted that dairy is the most common allergen, but soy, eggs, fish, peanuts, and more can cause issues.
When my newborn daughter was suffering from a stubborn diaper rash last year, my husband and I tried everything from home remedies to prescription medications to get it under control. Nothing worked, until our pediatrician suggested I stop eating dairy for at least two weeks. Lo and behold, no more rash. It wasn't easy monitoring everything I ate, but sacrificing some of my favorite foods was a small price to pay to get my baby some relief. If you think your breastfed baby may be allergic to something in your breastmilk, here are 10 symptoms to keep an eye on.
1
They're Crying A Ton
Hearing your baby cry and not knowing what to do to make it better is about as helpless as you get as a parent. If you've tried everything you can think of and they're still going, Kelly Mom noted that this could be a sign that they're in pain or discomfort because of an allergy.
2
They're Constipated
Dealing with an allergen may leave your baby struggling to poop at all, according to Baby Center. Constipation and hard stools may mean it's time to adjust your diet.
3
They Have Blood Or Mucus In Their Diaper
An allergen in your milk could wreak havoc on your baby's digestive system, and you may find the proof when you change their diaper. Blood or mucus in their poop is a big sign that your baby's allergic to something, according to Everyday Family.
4
They Have Diarrhea
Babies go through approximately 8,000 diapers a day even when there's nothing out of the ordinary going on. If they're having trouble with an allergen, however, Healthy Children noted that your baby may deal with diarrhea.
5
They're Vomiting
Spitting up is pretty normal for a baby. Vomiting, however, is not— and it's a sign that your little one can't handle something in your milk, according to Healthy Children.
6
They Have A Rash Or Hives
Breast milk allergens can make that soft, smooth baby skin red and splotchy. Breakouts of hives or a rash can be telltale signs, according to What to Expect.
7
They Develop Eczema
Rashes and hives aren't the only skin problems your breastfed baby might have. Eczema brought on by an allergen can make baby's skin super dry, itchy, and scaly, according to La Leche League.
8
They're Having Trouble Breathing
Watching your child struggling to breath is one of the most terrifying things I can imagine. Kids Health noted that this might be a sign of an allergy problem, along with coughing and wheezing.
9
They're Not Gaining Weight Well
If your baby is having a bad reaction to something in your milk, their overall growth may suffer. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia noted that poor weight gain may mean your baby's got an allergy.
10
They Have Cold-Like Symptoms
Allergy symptoms in babies can be just like those in adults. Anything from a runny nose to congestion to watery eyes may mean something in your milk isn't sitting well with your little one, according to Boston Children's Hospital.
